Mansell, Fulciniti share the glory at quarterback for still undefeated Lancaster

There are two talented quarterbacks on the Lancaster High School football team’s roster but just one ball. That could cause problems on some teams but not for the Legends.

Junior Gianluca Fulciniti and sophomore Jason Mansell have split time under center for Lancaster this season –  and each has seized his moments.  With a mutual goal of another championship season, there’s no quarterback controversy as far as these two Legends are concerned.

“We’re good,” Mansell said. “I’ve got his back and he’s got mine and we both just want what’s best for this team. We’ve known each other for a long time. I’m very good friends with his brother. We’ve known each other all our lives really with travel basketball, baseball and everything.”

Coach Eric Rupp said earlier in the year he’s not opposed to rolling with just one quarterback if one separates himself. That hasn’t happened thus far – but that’s for good reasons. Both have played well using different skill sets.

Mansell saw most of the snaps under center in a Week 3 win over Williamsville North. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Fulciniti was far from a bench-warmer, however. He threw for a TD, ran for the game-winner late in the fourth and then sealed the 34-26 win with a last-minute interception.

“It’s a two quarterback system,” Rupp said after the win over North. “It’s kind of what the defense gives you. We wanted to throw the ball on the perimeter tonight, so Jason was our guy. Last week, we wanted to run the ball so G was our guy. We’re comfortable playing them both in any situation.”

Gianluca Fulciniti – Photo Credit: Dave DeLuca / Football Weekly

The win was the 23rd in a row against Western New York teams for the Legends, who have won 18 straight regular season contests. The key cogs of the back-to-back Section VI championship teams have graduated but the new-look Legends are enjoying their chance to shine.

“Jason and I are just taking it all in,” Fulciniti said. “We just want to win. We’re really working hard together and it’s just nice.”

Mansell wears No. 15, just like his older brother Ryan, who set all kinds of passing records for Lancaster in 2016 and 2017. A lot of records were smashed by a variety of players in those two memorable seasons but those players have graduated. Don’t worry, though, the new class is 3-0 and showing no signs of slowing down.

“It shows everyone we’re still here,” Jason Mansell said. “We’re here fighting for that Section VI championship. We still have pieces here and we’ve proven that.”